MCP4651T-502E/ML

Digital Potentiometers Overview

The MCP4651T-502E/ML is a dual-channel digital potentiometer manufactured by Microchip Technology, housed in a 16-pin QFN (4x4 mm) surface-mount package. It features two independent potentiometer circuits with 8-bit resolution, providing 257 discrete taps for precise resistance adjustment. The nominal end-to-end resistance (R_AB) is 5 kΩ with a tolerance of ±20%. Controlled via an I²C serial interface supporting standard, fast, and high-speed modes, the device utilizes volatile memory to store wiper settings. It operates within a supply voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V and supports an extended industrial temperature range from -40°C to +125°C.

Digital Potentiometers Feature Summary

• Dual Potentiometer Configuration: Contains two independent 8-bit digital potentiometers with 257 taps each.
• I²C Serial Interface: Supports Standard Mode (100 kHz), Fast Mode (400 kHz), and High-Speed Modes (1.7 MHz and 3.4 MHz).
• High-Voltage Tolerant Inputs: Digital input pins (HVC/A0, SCL, SDA) tolerate voltages up to 12.5V, allowing compatibility with higher voltage logic levels.
• Terminal Disconnect Feature: Includes a Terminal Control (TCON) register to disconnect resistor network terminals if required.

Digital Potentiometers Applications

• Programmable gain amplifiers requiring precise analog signal attenuation or gain control.
• Voltage reference trimming and calibration in measurement systems.
• Audio volume control and equalization circuits utilizing digital adjustment.
• Bias current setting for operational amplifiers and other analog front-end components.

Digital Potentiometers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix 'ML' corresponds to the 16-QFN (4x4 mm) package with an exposed thermal pad. Confirm that the 'T' designation indicates tape and reel packaging suitable for automated assembly processes. Ensure the '502' resistance code matches the required 5 kΩ specification for the design. Check for RoHS compliance status as indicated in the manufacturer's documentation.

Digital Potentiometers Selection Notes

Select this component when a dual-channel digital potentiometer with 8-bit resolution is required. The 5 kΩ resistance value is suitable for moderate impedance applications; lower values like 500 Ω may be needed for higher current loads, while higher values suit low-power circuits. The volatile memory requires external power retention for wiper settings. Ensure the system I²C bus speed does not exceed the device's maximum rated frequency for the given supply voltage.

Digital Potentiometers Part Context

This part belongs to the MCP465X family of 7/8-bit single/dual I²C digital potentiometers with volatile memory. It shares core architectural features with the MCP4652 (rheostat configuration) and MCP4661 (non-volatile memory). The 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging, while 'ML' specifies the QFN package type. It is designed for applications requiring remote programmability of analog resistance values.

Digital Potentiometers Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-compatible replacements within the same package include other variants of the MCP465X family, such as the MCP4651T-102E/ML (10 kΩ) or MCP4651T-503E/ML (50 kΩ), provided the resistance value meets circuit requirements. For rheostat configurations, the MCP4652 series is functionally similar but configured differently. Non-volatile alternatives in the same package include the MCP4661 series.